What ultrasound pregnancy looks for

Overview

An ultrasound in pregnancy is a safe and painless scan that uses sound waves to create pictures of your baby inside the womb. It checks how your baby is growing, their position, and overall health. It also looks at the placenta (the organ that feeds your baby) and the amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid around your baby). Ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy, estimate your due date, screen for some conditions, and monitor your baby's wellbeing throughout pregnancy.

Yes, ultrasound is a routine part of pregnancy care in many countries. Almost all pregnant people will have at least one ultrasound scan during their pregnancy.

Ultrasound in pregnancy is used for anyone who is pregnant or thinks they may be pregnant. It is performed by a specially trained health professional called a sonographer.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• To confirm the pregnancy and see the baby's heartbeat (usually around 6-9 weeks)
• To date the pregnancy and work out your due date (usually around 11-14 weeks)
• To check the baby's growth and development (mid-pregnancy scan around 18-22 weeks)
• To check the position of the baby and the placenta later in pregnancy

Symptoms in children

• Ultrasound in pregnancy is not done on children; it is done during pregnancy.

Symptoms in older adults

• Ultrasound in pregnancy is not done on older adults; it is done during pregnancy.

Causes

Main causes

• Ultrasound is performed to check the baby's health and development at various stages of pregnancy
• It helps to screen for possible problems such as growth issues or structural abnormalities
• It can be used to check the position of the placenta, especially if there was concern about placenta previa (low-lying placenta)

Risk factors

• If you have a high-risk pregnancy due to conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• If you are over 35 years old
• If you have had problems in a previous pregnancy
• If you are carrying twins or more

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any vaginal bleeding or severe pain during pregnancy
• If you notice a sudden decrease in your baby's movements after 24 weeks

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your healthcare provider will schedule routine ultrasound scans as part of your antenatal care. Usually around 12 weeks and 20 weeks.

Diagnosis

Ultrasound is itself a diagnostic tool. It is used to look at the baby and the womb. The sonographer will apply gel to your belly and move a handheld device (called a transducer) over your skin. The sound waves create images on a screen.

Tests that may be done

• Dating scan (usually at 11-14 weeks)
• Anomaly scan or anatomy scan (usually at 18-22 weeks)
• Growth scans (later in pregnancy if needed)

What to expect at your appointment

You will lie down on a couch. The sonographer will put warm gel on your belly and gently move a small device over your skin. You may need to have a full bladder for some scans, which can be slightly uncomfortable but is normal. The scan usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can often see the images on a screen, and the sonographer may explain what they are seeing. After the scan, you can wipe off the gel and get dressed. You will usually get a report to take to your doctor or midwife.

Treatment

Ultrasound itself is a scan, not a treatment. The results of the scan help your doctor or midwife decide if any further care or treatment is needed. If the ultrasound finds a possible problem, you will be referred for more tests or specialist care. It is important to follow the advice of your healthcare team.

Self-care at home

• Attend all your scheduled scans as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Drink plenty of water before your scan if you are told to have a full bladder.
• Wear loose clothing so your belly is easy to access.

Medical treatments

If an ultrasound shows a concern, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, monitoring, or treatments depending on the findings. For example, if the baby is not growing well, they may suggest more frequent scans or early delivery in some cases. Always discuss your specific situation with your doctor or midwife.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not related to ultrasound scans themselves. If the ultrasound detects a condition that may require surgery (for example, a problem with the placenta or a fetal anomaly), your healthcare team will explain the options and refer you to a specialist.

Living with this condition

Most people continue their daily activities normally during pregnancy, with routine scans as part of their antenatal care. You may feel anxious waiting for scan results. It is okay to ask questions and seek reassurance from your healthcare team.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and take folic acid as recommended by your midwife or doctor.
• Stay active with gentle exercise like walking, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs during pregnancy.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is good for you and your baby. Moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, is safe for most pregnant people. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Pregnancy can be an emotional time. Waiting for ultrasound results or hearing unexpected findings may cause anxiety or worry. Talk to your midwife, doctor, or a counsellor if you feel overwhelmed. Support from family and friends can also help.

Prevention

Ultrasound is not about preventing something; it is about checking on your baby's health. Attending routine scans can help detect potential issues early, which may allow for better planning and care.

Vaccines

Vaccines are not related to ultrasound scans. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines (such as the flu shot and whooping cough vaccine) is important during pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider for advice.

Screening programmes

Ultrasound is a screening tool. It can screen for some conditions, such as Down's syndrome, when combined with blood tests. Your healthcare provider will explain the screening options available to you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Missing routine ultrasound scans means you might not detect problems like slow growth or a low-lying placenta early enough for the best care.
• If a problem is found and not followed up, it could lead to complications during pregnancy or birth.

Long-term outlook

For most people, pregnancy ultrasound is a reassuring experience. When issues are found, having this information early allows you and your healthcare team to plan the best care for you and your baby. Most problems found on ultrasound can be managed with proper monitoring and support.

Find support

Local organisations

• Your local midwife or obstetrician · Global

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